(07-11) 15:41 PDT San Francisco -- The Asiana Airlines pilots flying the jetliner that crashed at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday didn't discuss the slow speed of the aircraft until nine seconds before they crash landed, federal investigators said Thursday.
The pilot, who was making his first landing at the airport in a Boeing 777, and his two more-experienced colleagues didn't verbally acknowledge that the plane was travelling too slowly to make a safe landing until they were at an altitude of less than 100 feet, according to a preliminary analysis of the cockpit voice recorder, said Deborah Hersman, chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board.
"There is no mention of speed until about nine seconds until impact," Hersman said.
Investigators have said that the plane ended up coming in 36 mph slower than it should have been, so slow that it quickly lost altitude, nearly stalled and then slammed into a rocky seawall before bouncing up, spinning across the runway and pancaking into a grassy area next to the tarmac.
Two passengers died and 180 others were injured. Two adults and one child remain in critical condition.
The pilots did not discuss aborting the landing and going around for another try until three seconds before impact, Hersman said. The pilots again called for a go-around 1.5 seconds before impact, Hersman said.
As the aircraft approached the runway, an automated computer called out that the aircraft was passing through 500 feet. At that point, 34 seconds before impact, one of the pilots told his colleagues that the landing checklist was complete, Hersman said.
At around that time, the pilots were trying to correct the altitude and course of the plane, Hersman said, and may not have noticed that the plane's speed was falling.
Investigators told airport authorities late Wednesday it was OK to begin clearing debris and fire retardant from the runway. The burned-out body of the plane will remain for at least a few more days while forensic crews continue to examine and disassemble the plane.
Airport officials said they planned to open the runway, 28L, by Sunday or Monday.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Fashion Rings Are The Girl's Best Love
Fashion rings are now considered as the best fashion jewellery for all the fashion faddists. Today you can find a wide variety of fashion rings in quality materials and stylish form like titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, ceramic, gold, silver, cobalt chrome, palladium, platinum and diamonds. These are not the stylish articles, but also come at very affordable prices, and don’t hit hard at your pocket. Just browse the website like Purple Reign, choose the category and get rings of your style and add zing to their persona or personality. There are an attractive range of men’s rings made available on the website. These rings have been designed and created as per a customer’s fate, taste and mood.
Different shape and color rings purely to show off fashion statements or trends. With the quickly development of online shopping, most young and fashion girls like shopping online, which are easy to find out what their want and like. Compared with shopping in store, people don't need to walk from this store to another; they can sit in front of the computer and buy their love fashion rings as they wishes, which can save their energy and time. Another advantange of shopping online is that people can see all kinds of assortment of goods.
Rings make great gifts. Almost any girl loves to get rings and jewelry as a gift. You can give this as a gift to someone you know very well, or even to someone you do not know at all. A simple ring will please every time and you should always consider this easy gift for others.
Different shape and color rings purely to show off fashion statements or trends. With the quickly development of online shopping, most young and fashion girls like shopping online, which are easy to find out what their want and like. Compared with shopping in store, people don't need to walk from this store to another; they can sit in front of the computer and buy their love fashion rings as they wishes, which can save their energy and time. Another advantange of shopping online is that people can see all kinds of assortment of goods.
Rings make great gifts. Almost any girl loves to get rings and jewelry as a gift. You can give this as a gift to someone you know very well, or even to someone you do not know at all. A simple ring will please every time and you should always consider this easy gift for others.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Street protests spread chaos across Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO, July 11 (UPI) -- Protesters brought Brazil's main highways nearly to a standstill amid persistent public anger over alleged misuse of public funds and neglect of basic services.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff faces a sharp drop in her approval ratings amid allegations the government has lavished funds on controversial prestige projects that should go toward poverty reduction and improving public services.
The prestige projects include multibillion-dollar sprucing up of the country's exterior image before next year's FIFA World Cup tournament and the Olympics in 2016. Critics accuse the government of turning a blind eye to mass-scale misappropriations, delays in projects and cronyism.
The government says the expenditure is necessary to prepare Brazil for the two international events. Media reports cite shortfalls in necessary infrastructural renewal, including hotel room shortages.
Rousseff launched a major anti-corruption drive last year amid charges of misrule by her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and his alleged cronies, but the campaign has been derailed as renewed allegations emerge of widespread graft under her own presidency.
Tens of thousands of protesters turned out for Thursday's demonstrations, with protesters and traffic clogging major highways in at least seven states, officials said.
Protest leaders called the turnout a "national struggle day." Although the main protests were orchestrated by trade unions, many other organizations joined in.
Access to the Santos port, the largest in South America, was blocked by protesters for a second day.
The country's heavily congested ports suffered more setbacks in authorities' desperate bid to clear a backlog that has spread panic among traders. Exporters fear they face huge losses as merchandise remains unshipped.
Disruptions were reported in hospitals and some schools remained shut. Public transport systems in many areas outside Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo were hit, leaving thousands more who didn't join the protests stranded in roads and at railway stations.
As the protests spread, demands have widened, too. Protesters want specific action on improving infrastructure, reducing income disparities and agricultural reforms that can lift farmers out of chronic poverty.
Analysts say income disparities have worsened with rising inflation.
IMF data show emerging markets including Brazil face slowing growth. The IMF cut its global growth forecast for 2013 to a "subdued" 3.1 percent and for emerging economies to 5 percent from 5.3 percent.
The outlook for Brazil has gone down to 2.5 percent from 3.4 percent.
Critics say the slow growth forecast is another reason for the Rousseff administration to be more cautious with public spending.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff faces a sharp drop in her approval ratings amid allegations the government has lavished funds on controversial prestige projects that should go toward poverty reduction and improving public services.
The prestige projects include multibillion-dollar sprucing up of the country's exterior image before next year's FIFA World Cup tournament and the Olympics in 2016. Critics accuse the government of turning a blind eye to mass-scale misappropriations, delays in projects and cronyism.
The government says the expenditure is necessary to prepare Brazil for the two international events. Media reports cite shortfalls in necessary infrastructural renewal, including hotel room shortages.
Rousseff launched a major anti-corruption drive last year amid charges of misrule by her predecessor, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and his alleged cronies, but the campaign has been derailed as renewed allegations emerge of widespread graft under her own presidency.
Tens of thousands of protesters turned out for Thursday's demonstrations, with protesters and traffic clogging major highways in at least seven states, officials said.
Protest leaders called the turnout a "national struggle day." Although the main protests were orchestrated by trade unions, many other organizations joined in.
Access to the Santos port, the largest in South America, was blocked by protesters for a second day.
The country's heavily congested ports suffered more setbacks in authorities' desperate bid to clear a backlog that has spread panic among traders. Exporters fear they face huge losses as merchandise remains unshipped.
Disruptions were reported in hospitals and some schools remained shut. Public transport systems in many areas outside Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo were hit, leaving thousands more who didn't join the protests stranded in roads and at railway stations.
As the protests spread, demands have widened, too. Protesters want specific action on improving infrastructure, reducing income disparities and agricultural reforms that can lift farmers out of chronic poverty.
Analysts say income disparities have worsened with rising inflation.
IMF data show emerging markets including Brazil face slowing growth. The IMF cut its global growth forecast for 2013 to a "subdued" 3.1 percent and for emerging economies to 5 percent from 5.3 percent.
The outlook for Brazil has gone down to 2.5 percent from 3.4 percent.
Critics say the slow growth forecast is another reason for the Rousseff administration to be more cautious with public spending.
Beautiful Flower Brooch Make You More Elegent
The brooch is one of commonly used decorations by the women in modern society, texture silver or platinum set with diamonds and other precious stones, skirts respectively, it can highlight their beautiful body or status. Brooch is also known as corsage, and it is using hooks to clothes, jewelry, brooch can also be recognized as a decorative pin. Generally speaking, metal texture is embedded precious stones and enamel. It can be used as purely decorative or a combination of fixed clothes (such as robes, ponchos, scarves, etc.) function. Brooch, it was also called the "pin" is a jewelry worn on the chest or collar. Brooch type system is the various customs taste and fashion elements into one.
Your custom Flower Brooch can be any color, or combination of colors. Just tell me what your wedding colors are and we will begin dreaming up your creation. Something fun about this Flower Brooch is that you can stray from your wedding color palette and carry whatever you want. We can figure out the perfect flower brooch colors for you. The possibilities are endless. Ever since my Flower Brooch made it into the news and all over wedding blogs, there are quite a few other shops popping up that make their version of my bouquets.
You can even send me a piece of Flower Brooch that is important to you, and I can place it front & center on the stem of the bouquet. You can also collect jewelry from your family and friends, and send it to me to have a truly personalized bouquet made. We can negotiate a much lower price if you supply the materials!
Your custom Flower Brooch can be any color, or combination of colors. Just tell me what your wedding colors are and we will begin dreaming up your creation. Something fun about this Flower Brooch is that you can stray from your wedding color palette and carry whatever you want. We can figure out the perfect flower brooch colors for you. The possibilities are endless. Ever since my Flower Brooch made it into the news and all over wedding blogs, there are quite a few other shops popping up that make their version of my bouquets.
You can even send me a piece of Flower Brooch that is important to you, and I can place it front & center on the stem of the bouquet. You can also collect jewelry from your family and friends, and send it to me to have a truly personalized bouquet made. We can negotiate a much lower price if you supply the materials!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Egypt pyramid vendors grow violent, embassy says
CAIRO – Vendors at Egypt's pyramids who are desperate to make money in a deepening economic crisis are using aggressive and even violent means to get tourists to give them some business, frequenters of the tourist spot say.
The U.S. Embassy issued a warning about increasing incidents at or near the famous pyramids at Giza about a dozen miles from downtown Cairo. Most of the incidents are due to overly aggressive vendors who in some cases come close to criminal conduct, the embassy says.
"U.S. citizens should elevate their situational awareness when traveling to the pyramids, avoid any late evening or night travel, utilize a recommended or trusted guide, and closely guard valuables," according to a security message on the embassy's website last week.
Visitors going toward the ancient complex, roughly an hour's drive in traffic from central Cairo, are encountering Egyptians who work in the tourism sector and surround and pound on tourists' taxis and cars in what the embassy says may be an effort to pressure visitors to ride in their horse-drawn carriages.
In some cases, angry vendors have tried to open vehicles' doors, frightening visitors, the embassy said.
Egypt's minister of antiquities, Ahmed Eissa, insisted the Giza pyramid complex is safe. He said neither his office nor the tourism police have received complaints, according to newspaper reports.
Others who have traveled to the area say the problems are real.
"It's a new level of frightening," said Graham Harman, associate provost for research administration and professor of philosophy at the American University in Cairo.
Vendors began the practice of banging on cars pulling up to the pyramids within the first six months after Egypt's revolution in 2011. Once tourists enter the complex gates the harassment continues.
Vendors selling camel rides, horse jaunts or souvenirs pressure visitors to make overpriced purchases, and others aggressively demand money for nothing.
Harman, who is originally from Iowa but has lived in Egypt for 13 years, visits the pyramids frequently by taxi and says he wouldn't advise anyone to go without an organized tour based on an experience he had in March in which his wife was harassed and police asked for money.
"This was something new," he said. "People were much more aggressive."
The United States isn't the only country to issue warnings. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to the south Sinai, with the exception of popular Red Sea vacation spots and specific routes, while the north Sinai is listed as off-limits.
Egypt's revolution and election of an Islamist government after decades of military dictatorship has not led to improvements in the economy. Unemployment remains high and income low.
Visitors to Giza can see the depth of financial despair evident among those who work in the tourism industry, a main source of income for many Egyptians. Many vendors seem starved for travelers. Stable owners who offer horseback rides through the sprawling desert have fed their horses hay that was bought on loan while others over the past two years have been forced to sell their animals.
Tourism is diminished across the country.
Ayman Hussein works for a travel agency in Aswan, a city in Upper Egypt not far from Sudan that is near a set of magnificent temples. He said tourism has dropped by more than half since the days before the nation's uprising.
"Please tell the people: Come to Upper Egypt," Hussein said.
Making matters worse, prices of electricity and basic foods have been rising.
"It's very hard," Hussein said, but he brushed off news that there may be dangers hundreds of miles away at the Giza pyramids.
"We love the tourists," he said. "Don't worry about this."
The U.S. Embassy issued a warning about increasing incidents at or near the famous pyramids at Giza about a dozen miles from downtown Cairo. Most of the incidents are due to overly aggressive vendors who in some cases come close to criminal conduct, the embassy says.
"U.S. citizens should elevate their situational awareness when traveling to the pyramids, avoid any late evening or night travel, utilize a recommended or trusted guide, and closely guard valuables," according to a security message on the embassy's website last week.
Visitors going toward the ancient complex, roughly an hour's drive in traffic from central Cairo, are encountering Egyptians who work in the tourism sector and surround and pound on tourists' taxis and cars in what the embassy says may be an effort to pressure visitors to ride in their horse-drawn carriages.
In some cases, angry vendors have tried to open vehicles' doors, frightening visitors, the embassy said.
Egypt's minister of antiquities, Ahmed Eissa, insisted the Giza pyramid complex is safe. He said neither his office nor the tourism police have received complaints, according to newspaper reports.
Others who have traveled to the area say the problems are real.
"It's a new level of frightening," said Graham Harman, associate provost for research administration and professor of philosophy at the American University in Cairo.
Vendors began the practice of banging on cars pulling up to the pyramids within the first six months after Egypt's revolution in 2011. Once tourists enter the complex gates the harassment continues.
Vendors selling camel rides, horse jaunts or souvenirs pressure visitors to make overpriced purchases, and others aggressively demand money for nothing.
Harman, who is originally from Iowa but has lived in Egypt for 13 years, visits the pyramids frequently by taxi and says he wouldn't advise anyone to go without an organized tour based on an experience he had in March in which his wife was harassed and police asked for money.
"This was something new," he said. "People were much more aggressive."
The United States isn't the only country to issue warnings. The United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to the south Sinai, with the exception of popular Red Sea vacation spots and specific routes, while the north Sinai is listed as off-limits.
Egypt's revolution and election of an Islamist government after decades of military dictatorship has not led to improvements in the economy. Unemployment remains high and income low.
Visitors to Giza can see the depth of financial despair evident among those who work in the tourism industry, a main source of income for many Egyptians. Many vendors seem starved for travelers. Stable owners who offer horseback rides through the sprawling desert have fed their horses hay that was bought on loan while others over the past two years have been forced to sell their animals.
Tourism is diminished across the country.
Ayman Hussein works for a travel agency in Aswan, a city in Upper Egypt not far from Sudan that is near a set of magnificent temples. He said tourism has dropped by more than half since the days before the nation's uprising.
"Please tell the people: Come to Upper Egypt," Hussein said.
Making matters worse, prices of electricity and basic foods have been rising.
"It's very hard," Hussein said, but he brushed off news that there may be dangers hundreds of miles away at the Giza pyramids.
"We love the tourists," he said. "Don't worry about this."
What is the difference between a Harmony Ball and a Dream Ball?
Is the difference significant enough to have two different names for very similar items of jewellery?
Firstly let’s examine what a Harmony Ball is. The Harmony Ball is a common piece of jewellery in both Balinese and Mayan (Mexican) cultures, in Mexican culture it is call a Bola. The Harmony Ball also has origins in Celtic culture where it was known as a Druid Ball.
In each case, whether called a Harmony Ball, a Bola or Druid Ball the similarities are that it is seen to be a piece of jewellery, it includes a chiming ball and in most cases has cultural, regional and family heritage significance. A Harmony Ball Pendant generally consists of an outer “cage” and the chime ball contained within. Some cages are hinged, allowing for the changing or replacement of the chime ball, whilst others are fixed (soldered) after the chime ball is inserted. Harmony Balls can be made from a number of metals with sterling silver being the predominant metal of choice for its value, lustre and strength.
Theses Harmony Balls are made primarily by village or regional silversmiths or jewellers invariably using traditional methods and adding in some “local” originality.
The Chime ball itself is generally made from brass and the chime is achieved by a series of differing sizes “tongues” of brass fixed on the inside of the ball with a smaller ball inside. With movement the smaller ball rolls around running over the different length tongues and against the inside wall of the larger brass ball, like a bell, creating a variation of sounds that result in a chime with most chimes being unique to each individual Harmony Ball.
Aside from the very high skill level required by a silversmith to create such wonderful sterling silver outer cages or skins, much of the skill is also in the design and making of the inner parts of the chime ball – the higher the skill of the silversmith the better the sound of the Harmony Ball. Silversmiths will often experiment with thicknesses of materials and indeed different materials in an effort to create different chime sounds.
The outer cages of Harmony Balls can vary significantly – some are made using flattened sheets of sterling silver intricately cut to create many different patterns, some are made using a thin sterling silver wire which is twisted, entwined and formed to create intricate wire cages. Some Harmony Ball outer cages are actually solid sterling silver skins whilst some are brass skins plated with sterling silver – in some cases highly polished and in others engraved with varying ornate impressions.
The Harmony Ball pendant is worn mainly as a necklace whilst they can also be worn as earrings or attached to a bracelet. Harmony Ball Pendants are often worn on a long necklace cord by women when pregnant so that the Harmony Ball rest over the bump with the chime sound relaxing the baby in the womb.
So if that is a Harmony Ball then what is a Dream Ball and how does it differ?
A Dream Ball is exactly what is described above as a Harmony Ball with the following differences. The Dream Ball has a cylindrical stem at the top of the pendant where on a Harmony Ball the ring would be for attaching a necklace bale. The length of the stem can vary greatly from one style of Dream Ball to another as can the diameter, suffice to say an average length is about 15mm (a bit over ?”) and diameter about 4-5mm (5/32”). The end of the stem is fitted with a Gemstone which acts as a plug. The stem was usually used to contain the “dream/s” of the wearer. The wearer would generally write down their dream on a small piece of paper or parchment and roll it tightly and put it inside the “tube” of the stem then tap the Gemstone in the opening of the stem creating a force fit hence sealing the dream inside the Dream Harmony Ball pendant.
The wearer would always be carrying their dream and in some cases share that dream with family by handing down the dream ball pendant to a son or daughter.
So the Dream “Harmony” Ball is different in some respects however in most cases is simply called a Harmony Ball. The Dream Ball by virtue of its design is often more ornate than a Harmony Ball and of course includes a Gemstone so is generally more valuable than a Harmony Ball.
An extensive range of quality Sterling Silver Harmony Balls and Dream Balls at very affordable prices can be found at HarmonyBallPendant.com
About the Author: Mike OShannessy is an authority in Balinese Harmony Balls and Dream Balls and writes for a number of jewellery online sites.
Firstly let’s examine what a Harmony Ball is. The Harmony Ball is a common piece of jewellery in both Balinese and Mayan (Mexican) cultures, in Mexican culture it is call a Bola. The Harmony Ball also has origins in Celtic culture where it was known as a Druid Ball.
In each case, whether called a Harmony Ball, a Bola or Druid Ball the similarities are that it is seen to be a piece of jewellery, it includes a chiming ball and in most cases has cultural, regional and family heritage significance. A Harmony Ball Pendant generally consists of an outer “cage” and the chime ball contained within. Some cages are hinged, allowing for the changing or replacement of the chime ball, whilst others are fixed (soldered) after the chime ball is inserted. Harmony Balls can be made from a number of metals with sterling silver being the predominant metal of choice for its value, lustre and strength.
Theses Harmony Balls are made primarily by village or regional silversmiths or jewellers invariably using traditional methods and adding in some “local” originality.
The Chime ball itself is generally made from brass and the chime is achieved by a series of differing sizes “tongues” of brass fixed on the inside of the ball with a smaller ball inside. With movement the smaller ball rolls around running over the different length tongues and against the inside wall of the larger brass ball, like a bell, creating a variation of sounds that result in a chime with most chimes being unique to each individual Harmony Ball.
Aside from the very high skill level required by a silversmith to create such wonderful sterling silver outer cages or skins, much of the skill is also in the design and making of the inner parts of the chime ball – the higher the skill of the silversmith the better the sound of the Harmony Ball. Silversmiths will often experiment with thicknesses of materials and indeed different materials in an effort to create different chime sounds.
The outer cages of Harmony Balls can vary significantly – some are made using flattened sheets of sterling silver intricately cut to create many different patterns, some are made using a thin sterling silver wire which is twisted, entwined and formed to create intricate wire cages. Some Harmony Ball outer cages are actually solid sterling silver skins whilst some are brass skins plated with sterling silver – in some cases highly polished and in others engraved with varying ornate impressions.
The Harmony Ball pendant is worn mainly as a necklace whilst they can also be worn as earrings or attached to a bracelet. Harmony Ball Pendants are often worn on a long necklace cord by women when pregnant so that the Harmony Ball rest over the bump with the chime sound relaxing the baby in the womb.
So if that is a Harmony Ball then what is a Dream Ball and how does it differ?
A Dream Ball is exactly what is described above as a Harmony Ball with the following differences. The Dream Ball has a cylindrical stem at the top of the pendant where on a Harmony Ball the ring would be for attaching a necklace bale. The length of the stem can vary greatly from one style of Dream Ball to another as can the diameter, suffice to say an average length is about 15mm (a bit over ?”) and diameter about 4-5mm (5/32”). The end of the stem is fitted with a Gemstone which acts as a plug. The stem was usually used to contain the “dream/s” of the wearer. The wearer would generally write down their dream on a small piece of paper or parchment and roll it tightly and put it inside the “tube” of the stem then tap the Gemstone in the opening of the stem creating a force fit hence sealing the dream inside the Dream Harmony Ball pendant.
The wearer would always be carrying their dream and in some cases share that dream with family by handing down the dream ball pendant to a son or daughter.
So the Dream “Harmony” Ball is different in some respects however in most cases is simply called a Harmony Ball. The Dream Ball by virtue of its design is often more ornate than a Harmony Ball and of course includes a Gemstone so is generally more valuable than a Harmony Ball.
An extensive range of quality Sterling Silver Harmony Balls and Dream Balls at very affordable prices can be found at HarmonyBallPendant.com
About the Author: Mike OShannessy is an authority in Balinese Harmony Balls and Dream Balls and writes for a number of jewellery online sites.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Administration delays key ObamaCare insurance mandate
The Obama administration announced Tuesday that it is delaying a major provision in the health care overhaul, putting off until 2015 a requirement that many employers offer health insurance.
The announcement was made late Tuesday by the Treasury Department, at the beginning of the holiday week while Congress was on recess. It comes amid reports that the administration is running into roadblocks as it prepares to implement ObamaCare.
The change in the employer mandate is arguably the most significant concession the administration has made to date.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., a critic of the law, seized on the delay as a "clear admission" that the law is "unaffordable, unworkable and unpopular."
"It's also a cynical political ploy to delay the coming train wreck associated with ObamaCare until after the 2014 elections," he said.
The law requires companies that employ 50 or more workers to offer coverage or face fines. The Treasury Department and the White House said that, based on complaints by employers that the system for reporting the coverage was too onerous, they would simplify that system and give employers an additional year to comply.
"We have heard concerns about the complexity of the requirements and the need for more time to implement them effectively," Mark J. Mazur, the assistant secretary for tax policy at the Treasury Department, said in a statement posted online. "We have listened to your feedback. And we are taking action."
The mandate was originally set to kick in for 2014, but will now start in 2015.
The decision effectively means that penalties that would have been assessed against non-compliant businesses will be delayed until 2015. The administration encouraged employers to provide insurance anyway.
While the employer mandate is being delayed, the so-called individual mandate -- the requirement that individuals obtain health insurance -- presumably remains on schedule for 2014.
The administration also still plans to open up a new marketplace for government-regulated insurance plans on Oct. 1, to take effect on Jan. 1. And a sprawling set of subsidies would also remain in place.
The delay of the employer mandate, though, raises questions about whether more elements of the law might be delayed in the coming months.
White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett explained that, on the employer mandate issue, the administration was making two changes.
"First, we are cutting red tape and simplifying the reporting process," she wrote on the White House blog. She cited concerns that the law would have required companies to set up new data collection systems on employee access to health care. She said: "Some of this detailed reporting may be unnecessary for businesses that more than meet the minimum standards in the law." So, she said, the administration plans to figure out a "smarter system."
Second, she said, the administration would delay the roll-out and penalties since they were overhauling the reporting system.
"This allows employers the time to test the new reporting systems and make any necessary adaptations to their health benefits while staying the course toward making health coverage more affordable and accessible for their workers," she said.
Randy Johnson, senior vice president of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits at the Chamber of Commerce, told Fox News that with its decision, the administration has "finally recognized the obvious."
"Employers need more time and clarification of the rules of the road before implementing the employer mandate," he said. "We will continue to work to alleviate this and other problems with ObamaCare."
The announcement was made late Tuesday by the Treasury Department, at the beginning of the holiday week while Congress was on recess. It comes amid reports that the administration is running into roadblocks as it prepares to implement ObamaCare.
The change in the employer mandate is arguably the most significant concession the administration has made to date.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., a critic of the law, seized on the delay as a "clear admission" that the law is "unaffordable, unworkable and unpopular."
"It's also a cynical political ploy to delay the coming train wreck associated with ObamaCare until after the 2014 elections," he said.
The law requires companies that employ 50 or more workers to offer coverage or face fines. The Treasury Department and the White House said that, based on complaints by employers that the system for reporting the coverage was too onerous, they would simplify that system and give employers an additional year to comply.
"We have heard concerns about the complexity of the requirements and the need for more time to implement them effectively," Mark J. Mazur, the assistant secretary for tax policy at the Treasury Department, said in a statement posted online. "We have listened to your feedback. And we are taking action."
The mandate was originally set to kick in for 2014, but will now start in 2015.
The decision effectively means that penalties that would have been assessed against non-compliant businesses will be delayed until 2015. The administration encouraged employers to provide insurance anyway.
While the employer mandate is being delayed, the so-called individual mandate -- the requirement that individuals obtain health insurance -- presumably remains on schedule for 2014.
The administration also still plans to open up a new marketplace for government-regulated insurance plans on Oct. 1, to take effect on Jan. 1. And a sprawling set of subsidies would also remain in place.
The delay of the employer mandate, though, raises questions about whether more elements of the law might be delayed in the coming months.
White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett explained that, on the employer mandate issue, the administration was making two changes.
"First, we are cutting red tape and simplifying the reporting process," she wrote on the White House blog. She cited concerns that the law would have required companies to set up new data collection systems on employee access to health care. She said: "Some of this detailed reporting may be unnecessary for businesses that more than meet the minimum standards in the law." So, she said, the administration plans to figure out a "smarter system."
Second, she said, the administration would delay the roll-out and penalties since they were overhauling the reporting system.
"This allows employers the time to test the new reporting systems and make any necessary adaptations to their health benefits while staying the course toward making health coverage more affordable and accessible for their workers," she said.
Randy Johnson, senior vice president of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits at the Chamber of Commerce, told Fox News that with its decision, the administration has "finally recognized the obvious."
"Employers need more time and clarification of the rules of the road before implementing the employer mandate," he said. "We will continue to work to alleviate this and other problems with ObamaCare."
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